Rose Lodge

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of EAM Lodge, a nursing home that supports young adults with complex needs. The inspection assessed how safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led the service is, aiming to understand the quality of life and care provided to residents. The overall findings highlight a service that is consistently meeting high standards, with a strong focus on person-centred care and resident well-being. Families looking for a supportive and well-managed environment will find valuable insights into the home's operations.

In terms of how safe the service is, residents and their families feel secure, and robust systems are in place for risk assessment, fire safety, and equipment maintenance. Staff are safely recruited, and medication management is handled with a secure and consistent process, ensuring residents receive their prescribed treatments. Infection control is a priority, with a clean environment and trained staff, and lessons learned from any incidents are effectively shared across the provider's homes.

Regarding the effectiveness of the care provided, staff receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are equipped to meet residents' complex health and nutritional needs, including specific training for conditions like epilepsy and PEG feeding. Assessments are thorough and regularly updated, and care plans are in line with best practice and legal guidance. While residents' nutritional needs are met, staff are being reminded to consistently record the addition of thickeners to fluids, a minor point for improvement to further reduce choking risks.

The caring aspect of EAM Lodge is strongly evidenced by the positive relationships between staff and residents, with people observed to be relaxed, smiling, and settled. Staff treat residents with kindness, dignity, and respect, actively involving them in decisions about their care and supporting their individual communication methods. The home also embraces equality and diversity, ensuring residents' cultural and personal preferences are respected and incorporated into their daily lives.

On how responsive the service is, EAM Lodge excels in providing personalized care plans that detail residents' specific needs and preferences, with active involvement of families in agreeing these plans. Communication needs are well-met through the use of easy-read guides and other aids, ensuring residents can understand information and express themselves effectively. The service also proactively uses technology to enhance resident care, such as seizure monitoring equipment.

Finally, in terms of how well-led the service is, there is a clear and supportive management structure in place, with operations managers assisting the registered manager across multiple sites. Staff feel valued and supported by management, and the introduction of staff champions for various areas like dignity and infection control further strengthens the service's quality assurance. The provider consistently applies best practice guidance to ensure residents lead fulfilling lives with control, choice, and independence.